Mayor Evelio Leonardia today, September 2, extolled slain P/Staff Sgt. Joseph Nepomuceno for being an exemplary member of the Bacolod City Police Office, citing him for his honesty, bravery and integrity in the war against illegal drugs.
Leonardia visited the wake of Nepomuceno, 37, in Barangay 14, to personally condole to his partner, Janet Frias, with whom he had a three-year-old child.
The mayor, who executed a snappy salute before Nepomuceno’s casket draped with the Philippine flag, told the policeman’s widow that he personally talked with PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar whom he asked to help probe deeper the cop’s slaying.
“I salute him for a job well done. The people of Bacolod are grateful for his service,” the top city executive said.
His partner thanked the mayor as she also cried for justice on behalf of the family.
Also at the wake were Bacolod City Police Office Director Colonel Manuel Placido, Police Lieutenant Colonel Lester Leada, deputy city director for operations, Station 1 chief P/Major Ramil Sarona and Barangay officials.
“This is a very sad incident. I came here to express my heartfelt condolences to his family. It is sad for Bacolod because we lost a valuable asset in our fight against illegal drugs,” Leonardia said.
Nepomuceno, a member of the BCPO City’s Drug Enforcement Unit, is an exemplary performer based on the sentiments expressed by his peers, the mayor pointed out.
Leonardia disclosed that on Wednesday night, he had the opportunity to talk to Eleazar on the phone, together with Placido. “I asked him to give special attention and go deeper in their investigation and help Bacolod in its campaign against drug trade, the mayor said.
“SSgt. Nepomuceno’s dedication and commitment to serve the people of Bacolod are worth emulating,” he said.*
